Yakuza Haircuts

Japan’s yakuza operate an organised crime empire worth billions of dollars and have long dominated the country’s drug rings, gambling dens and sex trade.

Tekisasu’s Haircut

Tekisasu, a 44-year-old active yakuza gangster allied to a major clan, says precise haircuts boost his reputation in criminal dealings.

“Say you want to sell someone on a deal... they won’t take you seriously if your punch perm is all in shambles”

Barber’s Role

Barbers craft yakuza appearances, with Tekisasu’s barber serving 10 active yakuza clients monthly.

Anti-Yakuza Laws

Japan’s anti-yakuza laws prohibit businesses from knowingly providing benefits to mobsters, but barbers avoid legal issues by keeping transactions fair.

Yakuza Decline

Yakuza numbers dropped to a record low of 17,600 nationwide last year, with police warning of younger groups diversifying their business.

Barber’s Perspective

Tekisasu’s barber says punch perms are manly and cool, with yakuza clients trusting his 'uncompromising standards' despite risks.

Yakuza Life

Tekisasu, formerly a gangsta rapper, was arrested in 2021, jailed, then released last year to now seek respite at barbershops.

Legal Risks

Barbers must space yakuza appointments to avoid rival gangster conflicts, but once clients leave, the barber has no further responsibility.

“Once they leave the shop, whatever happens out there is going to happen. When they walk out the door, I don’t talk to them anymore.”

Cash Economy

Yakuza members often pay in cash due to restrictions, making it difficult for Japan to fully transition to a cashless system.

Yakuza Challenges

Yakuza face pressure to remain in violent underworld but can choose to leave, with 320 gangsters quitting in 2024 thanks to authorities.

Punch Perms

Punch perms, popular since the 1960s, are favored by yakuza for their short length and manly appeal.